Taylor Blackwell: Turning 12 on 12.12.12

Wednesday

Dec 12, 2012 at 9:47 AMDec 12, 2012 at 9:50 AM

It not surprising that music-loving Taylor Blackwell of Frankford, whose mother describes her as a “very all-American girl,” gravitates to one of America’s top female country music singers, Carrie Underwood.

DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

It not surprising that music-loving Taylor Blackwell of Frankford, whose mother describes her as a “very all-American girl,” gravitates to one of America’s top female country music singers, Carrie Underwood.

“I just love her music and the way she expresses herself through it. She’s very passionate about it,” said Taylor.

When it came time to celebrate Taylor’s 12th birthday, her parents, Amy and Troy, did more than buy her an Underwood CD and a membership in the star’s fan club. As part of today’s 12.12.12 birthday celebration, Amy is taking her daughter to Chicago, where Underwood is appearing in concert.

“That’s a special thing we thought we’d do to help her remember her 12th birthday,” said Amy. “Kerri Underwood was in concert in St. Louis (Nov. 20), which would have been much closer, but it wasn’t on her actual birthday. Chicago is not bad to get to so we’re making the trip and spending the day.”

Although her birthday wasn’t until Wednesday, Taylor admits she’s been on a birthday high for days.

“It’s really cool. I’m enjoying it right now,” she said earlier this week.

Amy is glad her daughter’s enjoyment of birthday No. 12 will not be limited to a single day.

“We told Taylor that in 2012 she would turn 12, so this year we’ve tried to make it special. We’ve done a dozen theme for her likes. It’s been a fun thing. It’s something to remember,” she said.

The uniqueness of Taylor’s birthday didn’t sneak up on the Blackwells, who also have a 14-year-old son, Tanner.

“Troy is a farmer and is pretty good with numbers,” said Amy “I think he’s the first one that told me she would be 12 on 12.12.12.”

Amy is thankful for the young woman Taylor has turned out to be.

“We’re fortunate she’s healthy. She’s a good student and loves to read. She loves music; Music draws her in,” said Taylor’s mother. “She loves animals. She’s a very all-American girl. She has a big heart and is a fun girl.”

Thus far Taylor has received 11 of 12 gifts. And while she says the Chicago trip is “pretty much my birthday wish,” Taylor admits that if there is a 12th gift, she knows what she’d like it to be.

“I’d really like a puppy, but my mom and dad are not wanting to give me a puppy right now. We’ll see,” she said. “I have allergies to dogs, so a Schnauzer would be the one I’d want because Schnauzers do not shed.”